Plant-floor to enterprise-level data exchange

Online Development’s xCoupler enterprise-transaction module for Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs is the first in a series of modules that snap into PLC backplanes. It provides two-tier data exchange between plant-floor devices connected to the controller, such as sensors, actuators, drives, barcode scanners, robots, RFID controllers, and enterprise servers.

To eliminate PC-based interfaces commonly used to transfer data, xCoupler communicates directly from ControlLogix to enterprise servers in their native language. Popular server communications interfaces currently available for xCoupler include IBM WebSphere MQ and DB2, Oracle, Microsoft SQL, SMTP, and TCP/IP. Additional enterprise interfaces are being developed for other server applications.

Configuring modules to map data values from factory-floor controllers to the enterprise is accomplished using the xCoupler module’s WorkBench software tool. Its drag-and-drop configurator is said to make programming simple, with no programming skills required. It also eliminates the need to develop enterprise drivers to communicate to factory-floor control systems.

Additionally, these modules eliminate the security, virus, and data-integrity problems associated with PC-operated multi-tier systems connected to the enterprise. xCoupler’s operating system reportedly is virtually immune to security problems and virus attacks. It provides exceptional data accuracy and data timeliness. Plant-floor devices cannot affect the operation of the xCoupler module and the module’s operation cannot affect plant-floor devices.

www.oldi.com

Eliminates multi-tier patchwork

Simple two-tier approach

Wide selection of adapters

Flexible factory-floor modules

Ease of configuration

Secure operation

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